Author Description

"Airlinerwatch" is an online publication dedicated to providing the latest news, progress, and market intelligence about the global airliner industry for aviation professionals and enthusiasts. For more information, inquiry, comment or feedback send an email to:
press [at] avidatum.com

Full width home advertisement

Post Page Advertisement [Top]

French Bee Carried Out the World's Longest Non-Stop Domestic Flight

Bellevigny, France - The French low-cost operator French bee has carried out the longest nonstop domestic commercial flight between Tahiti-Faa’a, French Polynesia with an Airbus A350-900.

The A350-900 (registered F-HREY) took off from Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport at 10.51 a.m. on Thursday 14 May and landed at Orly at 3:40 p.m. LT on Friday 15 May after a 16 hours minutes flight on a route more than 8709 nautical miles (16,129 kilometers).

The same aircraft had carried out a cargo-only flight from Orly to Tahiti-Faa’a on May 12 with a stopover in Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe).

“We are pleased and proud to have been able to complete this record flight under these exceptional circumstances. We would also like to highlight the commitment of our pilots, all volunteers for these flights, and also all of our partners in Orly and Papeete. This record confirms the Dubreuil Group’s choice of a unique fleet of Airbus A350s. It is the most advanced aircraft in the world in terms of energy efficiency,”

said Muriel Assouline, Managing Director of French bee.

“The flight was carried out under standard performance conditions of the Airbus A350, with an average altitude of 12,500 meters, at a speed of 940 km/h. The A350’s fuel consumption qualities, 25% less than a conventional long-haul aircraft, enabled it to cross these 16,129 kilometers,”

said Ludovic André, Director of Air Operations and Chief Pilot of French bee.